Zambia: The government of Zambia has recognized four villages in Katoba ward of Chongwe district and certified as Open Defecation Free (ODF) areas. The members of the community are delighted with the development as the community have been termed as hygienic.
The villages that have been given this honor for their hardwork include Lusaka, Chiyokoma, Lutele and Muluwe. Chongwe District Commissioner, Evans Lupiya disclosed this during the Commemoration of Global Hand Wash Day held in Chongwe .
Dr Lupiya said basic hand washing especially after the use of the toilet can prevent illness such as diarrhoea, typhoid and the more recent Covid-19.
“Washing of hands is a habit that can save lives of the most vulnerable population which are children and the elderly,” he said.
He expressed that he was delighted to see that the four villages had attained the status of ODF. He said that the achievement was a step towards improving the overall health of citizens and breaking the cycle of disease.
And World Vision Zambia Representative, Ivy Mwandila said 3,650 people now have access to hand washing facilities in Katoba ward.
“In our operations, we have implemented various strategies to encourage and promote hand washing such as The Community Led Total Sanitation model which educates families about the importance of sanitation and hand hygiene. The WASH UP! a program that engages learners through fun packed lessons to create lasting behavioral change,” She said.
UNICEF Chief of WASH Ms Emily Rand in a speech read on her behalf by Rabbeca Malesu said to support WASH initiatives throughout the district, the organization had trained 130 community champions and 150 Strategic Advisory Groups (SAGs).
Rand said the people training will empower and promote good hand hygiene and support households in constructing hand washing facilities using locally available materials.
Katoba Ward Councilor Rebecca Banda thanked all cooperating partners that were supplementing government efforts in improving water and Sanitation in rural communities.
Headman Lusaka expressed happiness for all the programs that government and cooperating partners were implementing to ensure that communities are free from diseases.
This year’s Global Hand washing day was being commemorated under theme “Why are Clean Hands Still Important.”
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